Embraer Launches Engineering and Technology Centre in Melbourne

Melbourne, Florida, March 21, 2012 – Embraer announced today it will establish the Embraer Engineering and Technology Center USA as part of its growing aeronautical cluster in Melbourne, Florida. It will be a subsidiary of Embraer Aircraft Holdings, Inc., Embraer SA’s wholly owned subsidiary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and will mean about 200 new jobs in Melbourne over the next five years.

“This is an important extension in the proud partnership that Embraer has enjoyed in the United States almost since our inception,” said Gary Spulak, President of Embraer North America at a press conference at the Hilton Rialto Hotel in Melbourne. “It is further evidence of our confidence in the U.S. market and the strategic role it will play in our future.”

“Embraer’s continued investment in Florida is evidence we are doing the right things to attract job-growing businesses,” said Governor Rick Scott. “My 2012 Job Creation and Economic Development Agenda, which just passed the Legislature, will make Florida even more attractive to companies looking to move or expand in a business-friendly state like ours.”

One of the key drivers for choosing Melbourne is its skilled labor force. Additionally, the availability of land for a green field start-up was important, as were proximity to established operations and the pro-business climate in Florida, Brevard County and the City of Melbourne.

The Embraer Engineering and Technology Center will conduct research and development activities for both product and technology development across Embraer’s business lines, with the first assignments primarily focused on executive jet interiors. It will include a laboratory for the development and testing of materials and interior items.

Embraer plans to partner with universities and other educational institutions in the US and in Florida to develop programs of mutual benefit. The vast majority of employees are expected to be hired locally.

It is the second research and development center established outside its headquarters complex at São José dos Campos, Brazil. The first one, located in Minas Gerais, Brazil, was announced last November.

The Center will be a state-of-the-art, 67,000-square-foot facility. Construction will start immediately as will the hiring of engineers. In the meantime, the Center will have temporary office space in Melbourne with occupancy planned for the third quarter 2012.

The Center will be located at Melbourne International Airport across General Aviation Drive from the 80,000-square-foot Phenom assembly facility that opened in February 2011 and the 58,000-square-foot Embraer Executive Jets Customer Center, dedicated in December. The buildings already represent an investment of $50 million.

Embraer recently received the 2011 Impact Award by the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce which recognizes the contribution of aviation companies to the area’s economy. Embraer received the award for the development of a final-assembly center for the company’s Phenom Executive Jets as well as its new Embraer Executive Jets Customer Center.